Remote controlled motorized wand for controlling blinds

ABSTRACT

A motorized wand system is presented for connecting to conventional horizontal and vertical blinds. The motorized wand system includes a housing that houses a motor, a gear box and a motor controller. The wand is twistably connected to the housing. An extender is removably connected to the lower end of the wand to extend the length thereof. The motorized wand system is connected to a conventional horizontal blind by a hook member connected to the tilt knob of the blind and adhering a mounting flange to the head rail of the blind. The motorized wand system is connected to a conventional vertical blind by a mounting member connected to a clip and tilt knob of the vertical blind and a bellows that connects the mounting member and upper end of the motorized wand system. The motorized wand system is controlled individually, or in groups, by twisting, or by a remote.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/092,655 filed Dec. 16, 2014.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to window coverings. More specifically, andwithout limitation, this invention relates to a device for motorizedcontrol of new or existing window coverings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Window coverings are old and well known in the art. Window coveringscome in countless sizes, shapes and designs. They are used forutilitarian purposes, such as limiting the amount of light that enters aroom as well as controlling the amount of heat that enters through awindow. Window coverings also serve aesthetic purposes, such asimproving the ambiance or décor of a room.

One popular form of window coverings are known as, and referred toherein as “blinds”. Blinds are generally formed of a header (or headrail) positioned at their top end that has shade material that hangsdownward therefrom. This shade material is generally formed of aplurality of slats that hang from the header, either in a verticalorientation (known as vertical blinds) or in horizontal orientation(known as horizontal blinds, venetian blinds, mini blinds, plantationshades, shutter blinds, among countless other names).

Conventional horizontal blinds are manually operated in two ways. First,the amount of slats that are vertically deployed from the header isadjusted by adjusting the length of one or more suspension cords.Second, the angle of the slats is adjusted by rotating or twisting atilt rod, wand or baton or other tilting mechanism.

Conventional vertical blinds are also manually operated in two ways.First, the amount slats that are vertically deployed from the header isadjusted by grasping a tilt rod, wand or baton or other mechanism andsliding the slats to the desired position. Second, the angle of theslats is adjusted by rotating or twisting the tilt rod, wand or baton orother tilting mechanism.

While these processes are effective at adjusting the blinds they areinefficient and time consuming as the user must take time away fromother tasks and expend energy to manually adjust the blinds. This manualprocess is especially inconvenient and undesirable in locations thathave a plurality of blinds.

In response to the deficiencies of manual window coverings, variousmanufacturers have developed motorized window coverings. While motorizedwindow coverings eliminate the need to manually adjust the windowcoverings, they suffer from a great number of other deficiencies.

That is, motorized window coverings tend to be extremely expensive andtherefore are financially out of reach for most consumers. In addition,installing motorized window coverings can be a very complicated and timeconsuming task that requires removal of the existing window coveringsand replacement with the new motorized window coverings, not to mentionthe need to use various tools like drills, screw drivers, levels and thelike. This process can be further complicated and made much moreexpensive if hardwired electricity is needed to power the new motorizedwindow coverings. In addition, replacing perfectly functioning manualwindow coverings is often undesirable for many consumers as it is seenas wasteful to replace perfectly functional window coverings.

To eliminate the need to replace existing window coverings variousproducts have been developed to motorize manual window coverings. Onesuch product is the subject of U.S. Pat. No. 5,603,371 entitled“Electronic Power Angling Rod For A Window Blind” filed on Jun. 5, 1995by inventor Richard D. Gregg. The product of the '371 patent is anaftermarket add-on to existing horizontal blinds that attempts toprovide a means of converting manual horizontal blinds to motorizedhorizontal blinds by replacing the manual tilt rod with a motorized tiltrod. While the product of the '371 patent may provide some advantages,it suffers from many apparent disadvantages. Namely, the product of the'371 patent is inconvenient and complicated to install on existinghorizontal blinds. In addition, the product of the '371 patent isconnected to the horizontal blind using a rigid clip or brace which doesnot provide the needed variability to install on the great variety ofhorizontal blinds available on the market. In addition, the product ofthe '371 patent does not provide programming and set-up procedures thattake into account for the variability or slack in the tilting mechanismscommonly found in blinds today. Because the product in the '371 patentdoes not have a solution for the slack or backlash in tilting mechanismsin conventional blinds, this product cannot be programmed for discreteand repeatable tilt positions which is a feature that is important tothe consumer particularly when multiple shades are installed in closeproximity to each other. Nor does the product of the '371 patent providethe control features desired by today's consumer such as grouping andintermediate settings. As such, the product of the '371 patent is not anadequate solution.

Therefore, for the reasons stated above, and for other reasons statedbelow which will become apparent to those skilled in the art uponreading and understanding the specification, there is a need in the artfor an improved device, manner and means of converting a manual windowcovering to a motorized window covering.

Thus, it is a primary object of the invention to provide a remotecontrolled motorized wand for controlling blinds that improves upon thestate of the art.

Another object of the invention is to provide a remote controlledmotorized wand for controlling blinds that eliminates the need toreplace perfectly functioning manual window coverings.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a remote controlledmotorized wand for controlling blinds that eliminates the need toinstall new window coverings to have the advantages of motorizedcontrol.

Another object of the invention is to provide a remote controlledmotorized wand for controlling blinds that includes a twist function ormanual override.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a remote controlledmotorized wand for controlling blinds that is easy to install.

Another object of the invention is to provide a remote controlledmotorized wand for controlling blinds that allows for programming ofpositions.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a remote controlledmotorized wand for controlling blinds that can be installed on bothhorizontal and vertical blinds.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a remote controlledmotorized wand for controlling blinds that can be used with a greatvariety of head rails of various blinds.

Another object of the invention is to provide a remote controlledmotorized wand for controlling blinds that provides improved control andfunctionality.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide an aftermarket remotecontrolled motorized wand for controlling blinds that saves the usertime when adjusting blinds.

Another object of the invention is to provide a remote controlledmotorized wand for controlling blinds that is inexpensive and certainlyless expensive than purchasing new motorized window coverings.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a remote controlledmotorized wand for controlling blinds that allows for control of aplurality of window coverings simultaneously.

Another object of the invention is to provide a remote controlledmotorized wand for controlling blinds that can be controlled by a twistor a wireless signal.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a remote controlledmotorized wand for controlling blinds that allows for a plurality ofwindow coverings to be grouped together such that they respondsimultaneously to a single command.

Another object of the invention is to provide a remote controlledmotorized wand for controlling blinds that automatically responds tolight variance.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a remote controlledmotorized wand for controlling blinds that automatically responds totemperature variance.

Another object of the invention is to provide a remote controlledmotorized wand for controlling blinds that has improved battery life.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a remote controlledmotorized wand for controlling blinds that accurately tracks and canrespond in like fashion to other blinds the in the proximity of thewand.

Another object of the invention is to provide a remote controlledmotorized wand for controlling blinds that is repeatable over time andbetween window coverings.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a remote controlledmotorized wand for controlling blinds that has a long useful life.

Another object of the invention is to provide a remote controlledmotorized wand for controlling blinds that has a simple and elegantdesign.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a remote controlledmotorized wand for controlling blinds that is customizable.

Another object of the invention is to provide a remote controlledmotorized wand for controlling blinds that utilizes standard batteries.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a remote controlledmotorized wand for controlling blinds that can be purchased as anoff-the-shelf product.

Another object of the invention is to provide a remote controlledmotorized wand for controlling blinds that allows for easy batteryreplacement.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a remote controlledmotorized wand for controlling blinds that is durable.

Another object of the invention is to provide a remote controlledmotorized wand for controlling blinds that maintains the look and feelof a conventional tilt wand while providing additional features.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a remote controlledmotorized wand for controlling blinds that can be used for controllinghorizontal and vertical blinds.

These and other objects, features, or advantages of the invention willbecome apparent from the specification and claims.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A motorized wand system is presented for connecting to conventionalhorizontal and vertical blinds. The motorized wand system includes ahousing that houses a motor, a gear box and a motor controller. A wandis twistably connected to the housing and houses a plurality ofbatteries therein that are electrically connected to one another. Anextender is removably connected to the lower end of the wand to extendits length. A hook member of the motorized wand system is connected tothe tilt knob of the blind and a mounting member of the motorized wandsystem is adhered to the head rail of the blind. The motorized wandsystem is controlled individually, or in groups, by twisting the wand,or by a remote control signal. In this way, the motorized wand systemprovides motorized movement of existing manual blinds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective exploded view of a motorized wand systemfor use with a horizontal blind, the view showing the driver cover,housing, wand and extender;

FIG. 2 is a front perspective exploded view of a motorized wand systemfor use with a horizontal blind, the view showing the driver cover,housing, wand and extender;

FIG. 3 is a close-up perspective view of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a close-up perspective view of motorized wand system havingthe driver cover installed on the housing;

FIG. 5 is a close-up rear elevation view of motorized wand system havingthe driver cover installed on the housing;

FIG. 6 is a close-up side perspective view of motorized wand systemhaving the driver cover installed on the housing;

FIG. 7 is a close-up perspective view of motorized wand system havingthe driver cover installed on the housing;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a motorized wand system having thedriver cover installed on the housing, the motorized wand systeminstalled on a horizontal blind;

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of a motorized wand system having thedriver cover installed on the housing, the motorized wand systeminstalled on a horizontal blind, the view showing the slats of thehorizontal blind in a fully closed down position;

FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of a motorized wand system having thedriver cover installed on the housing, the motorized wand systeminstalled on a horizontal blind, the view showing the slats of thehorizontal blind in a fully closed up position;

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of a motorized wand system having thedriver cover installed on the housing, the motorized wand systeminstalled on a horizontal blind, the view showing the slats of thehorizontal blind in a fully open or level position;

FIG. 12 is a perspective exploded view of a motorized wand system foruse with a vertical blind, the view showing the housing, wand andextender, and a bellows and mounting member for connecting to thevertical blind;

FIG. 13 is a perspective exploded view of a motorized wand system foruse with a vertical blind, the view showing the housing, wand andextender, and a bellows and mounting member for connecting to thevertical blind;

FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of a motorized wand system for use witha vertical blind, the view showing the housing, wand and extender, and abellows and mounting member assembled together for connecting to thevertical blind;

FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of a motorized wand system for use witha vertical blind, the view showing the housing, wand and extender, and abellows and mounting member assembled together for connecting to thevertical blind;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a motorized wand system for use with avertical blind, the view showing the housing, wand and extender, and abellows and mounting member assembled together for connecting to thevertical blind;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a motorized wand system for use with avertical blind, the view showing the housing, wand and extender, and abellows and mounting member assembled together and connected to thevertical blind with the first clip and tilt knob of the carrier of thevertical blind connected to the mounting member, and the bellowsconnecting the mounting member to the motorized wand system;

FIG. 18 is a close-up perspective view of FIG. 17, the view showing thebellows connected to the mounting member and the mounting memberconnected to the carrier, clip and tilt knob of the vertical blind;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a motorized wand system for use with avertical blind, the view showing a housing, bellows and mounting memberconnected to the vertical blind with the first clip and tilt knob of thecarrier of the vertical blind connected to the mounting member, and theview also showing the bellows in a compressed state so as to show andprovide access to the tilt knob of the vertical blind and the collar ofthe mounting member;

FIG. 20 is a close-up perspective view of FIG. 19, the view showing thebellows and mounting member connected to the vertical blind with thefirst clip and tilt knob of the carrier of the vertical blind connectedto the mounting member, and the view also showing the bellows in acompressed state so as to show and provide access to the tilt knob ofthe vertical blind and the collar of the mounting member;

FIG. 21 is a plan view of a flow chart that describes the manner ofprogramming a motorized wand system and grouping and un-groupingmultiple motorized wand systems.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown byway of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may bepracticed. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is tobe understood that other embodiments may be utilized and thatmechanical, procedural, and other changes may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention. The following detaileddescription is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and thescope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims, alongwith the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

As used herein, the terminology such as vertical, horizontal, top,bottom, front, back, end, sides, and the like, are referenced accordingto the views presented. It should be understood, however, that the termsare used only for purposes of description, and are not intended to beused as limitations. Accordingly, orientation of an object or acombination of objects may change without departing from the scope ofthe invention.

While the figures show the invention used in association with a windowcovering that is a horizontal blind, the invention is not so limited. Ahorizontal blind is simply used as an example. It is hereby contemplatedthat the invention may also be used with vertical blinds, and beyondthat with any other window covering, and for that matter any applicablemechanical device.

Horizontal Blind:

The motorized wand system 10 is applicable to any horizontal blind 12.In the arrangement shown, the horizontal blind 12 includes a header 14having shade material 16 that hangs from the header 14. In thearrangement shown, shade material 16 is in the form of a plurality ofhorizontally extending slats 18 that are positioned in verticallystacked spaced alignment with respect to one another. The verticalspacing of the plurality of slats 18 is maintained by one or moresuspension ladders 20 having rungs 22 spaced at equal intervals acrosstheir vertical length, with a slat 18 resting upon each rung 22. Theupper end of suspension ladders 20 connect to and/or are held within thehollow interior 24 of header 14. The lower end of suspension ladders 20connect to a bottom bar 26. The suspension ladders 20 maintain thespacing of the slats 18 as well as maintain the angular orientation ortilt angle of the slats 18 as is further described herein.

At least one suspension cord 28 extends through the plurality of slats18. In one arrangement, suspension cords 28 extend through openings 30in the slats 18. These openings 28, and therefore the suspension cords26, are positioned approximately in the middle of the suspension ladders20 to provide proper balance. Like the suspension ladders 20, the upperend of suspension cords 28 connect to and/or are held within the hollowinterior 24 of header 14. Also like the suspension ladders 20, the lowerend of suspension cords 28 connect to bottom bar 26. The suspensioncords 28 are used to raise and lower the position of the bottom bar 26and maintain the amount of shade material 16 that is verticallydeployed.

The upper end of the suspension ladders 20 and suspension cords 28connect to one or more actuating mechanisms 32 positioned within thehollow interior 24 of header 14. Actuating mechanism 32 is any devicethat adjusts the lengths or positions of the suspension ladders 20and/or the suspension cords 28. In conventional horizontal blinds 12,the suspension cords 28 are connected to lift spools 34 which controlthe deployed length of the suspension cords 28. Similarly, thesuspension ladders 20 connect to tilt spools 36 that adjust the angularposition of the slats 18. These tilt spools 34 are connected to andcontrolled by a tilt knob 38 that extends outward from the header 14.The term “tilt knob” is to be broadly construed and means any devicethat is used to tilt the slats 18 of the blind 12, and is also known asa drive gear, a drive gear shaft, a control axis, a control axismechanism, a twisting mechanism, among countless other names in theindustry. This tilt knob 38 includes a knob hook 40 that a conventionaltilt wand 42 connects to.

Motorized Wand System:

The motorized wand system 10 is formed of any suitable size, shape anddesign. In the arrangement shown, the motorized wand system 10 isdesigned to have a similar appearance to the conventional tilt wand 42that it replaces. That is, the motorized wand system 10 has a slenderelongated body that extends from an upper end 44 to a lower end 46 andhas a generally rounded, oval or cylindrical elongated body. Themotorized wand system 10 is formed of a plurality of parts, including adriver cover 48, a housing 50, a wand 52 and an extender 54.

Driver Cover:

Driver cover 48 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design. In thearrangement shown, driver cover 48 is generally rounded or partiallycylindrical in shape and extends from an upper end 56 to a lower end 58.Driver cover 48 has an opening 60 that extends approximately through itscenter from its upper end 56 to its lower end 58. This opening 60 issized and shaped to frictionally receive within close tolerances theupper end of housing 50 therein. This opening 60 is non-round or has atleast one feature therein that prevents rotation of housing 50 whenpositioned within opening 60, as is further described herein. In onearrangement, opening 60 includes a rail, protrusion, groove, or otherfeature that is positioned within or connected to opening 60 that mateswith a corresponding feature in the upper end of housing 50. In anotherarrangement, opening 60 is rectangular, D-shaped, square, or any othernon-round and rotation preventing shape that mates with the upper end ofhousing 50. Opening 60 is shaped to allow housing 50 to slide verticallyor be vertically adjusted within opening 60 while preventing rotation ofhousing 50 within opening 60.

The forward side 61 of driver cover is generally rounded in shape,whereas the rearward side of driver cover 48 includes an opening or slot62 therein that extends its vertical length. Slot 62 provides access tothe exterior surface of housing 50 when housing 50 is positioned withindriver cover 48.

A mounting flange 64 is connected to the upper end 56 of driver cover48. Mounting flange 64 is generally formed in a planar shape and anglesoutward or gets wider as it extends upward or away from the rounded bodyof driver cover 48 and in this way is partially triangular in shape whenviewed from the side. Mounting flange 64 includes one or more grooves 66or narrower section so f mounting flange 64 that extend side-to-sidetherein that serve as living hinges upon which the plane of mountingflange 64 can be flexed or angled. Mounting flange 64 also includes anopening 67 positioned above the open end of the body of driver cover.Opening 67 provides room for the tilt knob 38 and knob hook 40 so as toensure that mounting flange 64 does not interfere with these componentsor operation of the system 10. The living hinges formed by grooves 66allows mounting flange 64 to flex to essentially any angle so that itcan accommodate horizontal blinds 12 of any size, shape and design. Inaddition, opening 67 provides the needed clearance to again allow formounting flange 64 to be used with any horizontal blind 12.

The extended surface area of the interior surface of mounting flange 64is covered with an adhesive material, such as glue, tape, double sidedtape, or the like that is used to connect mounting flange 64 to theexterior surface of the header 14 of horizontal blind 12. In onearrangement the material of mounting flange 64 is a generally rigidmaterial such as a plastic, composite, metal, rigid nylon or the like,whereas in another arrangement mounting flange 64 is a generallyflexible material such as rubber, rubberized plastic, flexible nylon orthe like. When mounting flange 64 is adhered to the side or bottomsurface of header 14, the housing 50 is inserted within the opening 60in driver cover 48 and is held thereon by tight but removable frictionalengagement between the driver cover 48 and the housing 50.

Housing:

Housing 50 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design. In thearrangement shown, housing 50 is generally cylindrical in shape andextends from an upper end 75 to a lower end 76. In the arrangementshown, housing 50 includes a pair of halves 78 that connect together inclamshell-like arrangement along a seam line 80 there between. Whenconnected together, these halves 78 form a hollow interior there betweenthat house a motor controller 82, a motor 84 and a gearbox 86.

Motor 84 is any motor type device that converts electrical energy tomovement, or more specifically to rotational energy. Motor 84 includes adriveshaft 88 that extends out of the upper end and lower end of motor84. A magnetic wheel 90 is connected to the lower end of driveshaft 88.The upper end of drive shaft 88 is connected to gearbox 86. Gearbox 86is any type of a gearing system that converts the number of rotations ofdrive shaft 88 to the desired number of rotations of output shaft 92.That is, the driveshaft 88 of motor 84 is the input into gearbox 86 atone speed, and the gears of gearbox 86 convert this rotational energy toa second speed at output shaft 92, which is generally a slower speed.

Output shaft 92 is connected to a hook member 94 (otherwise known as arotatable member) by an extended shaft 95. Hook member 94 is any form ofa hook or other device that operably connects motorized wand system 10to the tilt knob 38 of blind 12. While the term “hook” is used in thename hook member 94, the name is not intended to be so limiting.Instead, the term hook member 94 is intended to mean any form of adevice that connects one device to another such as a hook, a clasp, ashackle, a snap-fit device, a loop, a string, a zip-tie, or any otherform of a connection member or the like. In the arrangement shown, hookmember 94 is sized and shaped to slip over and hold onto the knob hook40 of tilt knob 38. As the motor 84 rotates drive shaft 88, drive shaft88 rotates the components of gearbox 86, the components of gear box 86rotate output shaft 92, output shaft rotates extended shaft 95 whichrotates hook member 94 which rotates tilt knob 38 thereby opening orclosing the tilt angle of the slats 18 of the horizontal blind 12.

Motor controller 82 is connected to the lower end of motor 84. Motorcontroller 82 is formed of any suitable size, shape and design. Motorcontroller 84 controls the operation of motorized wand system 10. In onearrangement, as is shown, motor controller 82 is formed of a printedcircuit board (“PCB”) 96, or substrate, that provides support andelectrical connection for the electrical components of the system 10.Motor controller 84 includes one or more rotation sensors 98 that senserotation of drive shaft 88 of motor 84. In the arrangement shown, thelower end of drive shaft 88 extends into a recess, pocket or opening inthe upper end of motor controller 82 and one rotation sensor 98 ispositioned adjacent the magnetic wheel 90 such that the rotation sensors98 sense the changing magnetic fields as magnetic wheel 90 rotates. Eachsensed rotation is transmitted to microprocessor 100 which counts andtracks the rotations of drive shaft 88 thereby tracking the position ofthe slats 18 and controlling the shade material 16 as is describedherein. In one arrangement, sensors 98 are Hall Effect sensors.

Microprocessor 100 is any computing device that receives and processesinformation and outputs commands according to instructions stored inmemory 102. Memory 102 is any form of information storage such as flashmemory, ram memory, a hard drive, or any other form of memory. Memory102 may be included as a part of or operably connected to microprocessor100. A receiver/transceiver 104 is connected to microprocessor 100. Areceiver is used if one way communication is utilized, whereas atransceiver is used if two-way communication is utilized (hereinafter“transceiver”). Receiver/transceiver 104 is connected with an antenna106, such as a monopole antenna, a loop antenna, a fractal antenna, orany other form of an antenna. Antenna 106 receives wireless signals froma remote 110, another motorized wand system 10 or any other device,transmits these signals to receiver/transceiver 104 which processesthese signals and then transmits these processed signals tomicroprocessor 100 which processes these signals according toinstructions stored in memory 102. In one arrangement, any motorizedwand system 10 re-transmits operating commands signals the motorizedwand system 10 receives through receiver/transceiver 104 so as tosimilarly control any other motorized wand systems 10 withinover-the-air communication distance to the wand system 10. Remote 110 isany form of a remote control device that transmits wireless signalsthrough the air such as a conventional remote control, a cell phone, awireless device, an internet connected device, a hard-wired device, orany other device capable of transmitting remote control signals.

A twist sensor 112 is connected to motor controller 82. Twist sensor 112is any device which senses a twist of the wand 52 and/or the extender 54with respect to the housing 50 such as a strain gauge, a torque sensor,a switch, electrical contacts, or the like. In one arrangement, twistsensor 112 is connected to a shaft that extends outward from the lowerend 76 of housing 50 (or first section) and connects to an upper end ofwand 52 (or second section). In one arrangement, a biasing member, suchas a spring, is connected to and/or positioned between housing 50 andwand 52 so as to maintain the original alignment between the twocomponents 50, 52, to provide a level of resistance to a user when theyattempt to twist the wand 52 or extender 54 out of alignment as feedbackto the user, and to return the wand 52 or extender 54 back to theoriginal alignment with housing 50 after the user-initiated twist. Twistsensor 112 is operably connected to motor controller 82 andmicroprocessor 100. When twist sensor 112 senses a twist a signal istransmitted to microprocessor 100 which responds to the signal accordingto instructions stored in memory 102.

Any other electrical components are positioned on or connected to PCB 96that are necessary to control or operate system 10.

A plurality of controls are connected to housing 50 that are used tooperate, program and control the system 10. In one arrangement, aprogram button 116, and a first switch 118 (either a temperature switchor light switch) and a second switch 120 (the other of a temperatureswitch or light switch) are positioned in one half 78 of housing 50 andconnect to a related sensor or switch in or on PCB 96. While the termbutton or switch is used herein to describe the these components 116,118, and 120, these terms are not meant to be limiting and instead anyform of a device is hereby contemplated for use such as a switch, asensor, a dial or any other electrically connecting or control devicemay be used. The program button 116 first switch 118 and second switch120 operate in the manner(s) described herein. Any other number ofbuttons or switches are hereby contemplated for use.

Wand:

Wand 52 is connected to the lower end 76 of housing 50. Wand 52 isformed of any suitable size, shape and design. In the arrangement shown,wand 52 is generally cylindrical in shape and extends from an upper end122 to a lower end 124. In the arrangement shown, wand 52 has a hollowinterior 126 that receives batteries 130 therein. In one arrangement,batteries 130 are held within a battery holder 128 therein.

Battery holder 128 is any form of a device that holds conventionalbatteries 130. In the arrangement shown, wand 52 and/or battery holder128 are generally cylindrical in shape and narrowly designed to holdconventional AA batteries or AAA batteries therein. AA or AAA batteriesare desirable because they have a narrow appearance, a substantialcapacity and they are readily available and inexpensive. With that said,any other type of battery is hereby contemplated for use.

Battery holder 128 holds batteries 130 in an end-to-end alignment so asto maintain the narrowest possible profile for the system 10. In onearrangement, all batteries 130 are stacked continuous end-to-endphysical and electrical connection to one another. This arrangement isalso known as being in “series”. In this arrangement, no battery holder128 is needed as the wand 52 serves as the battery holder. In anotherarrangement, batteries 130 are stacked in physical end-to-end alignment,however they are electrically connected in parallel, or in both seriesas well as in parallel. Connecting batteries 130 in both series as wellas in parallel improves the battery life. That is, when batteries arestacked in series essentially their voltage doubles and their capacitystays the same; whereas when batteries are connected in parallel, theirvoltage stays the same but their capacity doubles. That is, in onearrangement, wherein nine batteries 130 are used, all nine batteries 130are aligned in end-to-end physical alignment within battery holder 128and wand 52, with three sets of three batteries 130 electricallyconnected in parallel to one another, with the three sets of batteries130 being connected in series with one another. In yet anotherarrangement, wherein nine batteries 130 are used, all nine batteries 130are aligned in end-to-end physical alignment within battery holder 128and wand 52, with three sets of batteries 130 electrically connected inseries to one another, with the three sets of batteries being connectedin parallel with one another. This arrangement essentially triples thelife of the batteries 130 by increasing both the voltage as well as thecapacity.

Battery holder 128 slides within wand 52 and electrically connects tomotor controller 82 and/or PCB 96 by an electrical lead thereby poweringthe electrical components of the system 10. Batteries 130 or batteryholder 128 is held in place within wand 52 by a battery cap 134 whichencloses opposing ends of wand 52. End cap(s) 134 connect to wand 52 byany manner such as by threaded engagement, snap fit, friction fit or thelike.

Extender:

Extender 54 is connected to the lower end 124 of wand 52. Extender 54 isformed of any suitable size, shape and design. In the arrangement shown,extender 54 is generally cylindrical in shape and extends from an upperend 138 to a lower end 140. Extender 54 is used to extend the length ofsystem 10 and is especially used for blinds 12 that are positioned highabove the ground. In this way, extender 54 allows a user to reach amotorized wand system 10 connected to a blind 12 out of the user's reachand allows them to twist the motorized wand system 10. In thearrangement shown, extender 54 is generally cylindrical in shape and hasan elongated body that is generally cylindrical in shape. The upper end138 of extender 54 is sized and shaped to matingly engage the lower end124 of wand 52.

In one arrangement the upper end 138 of extender 54 fits over the lowerend 124 of wand 52, whereas in another arrangement the upper end 138 ofextender 54 fits within the lower end 124 of wand 52. In yet anotherarrangement, the upper end 138 of extender 54 includes a metallic insertor magnet that magnetically connects with a metallic insert or magnet136 in the lower end 124 of wand 52 when the two components are placedwithin magnetically attracting distance to one another. This arrangementallows the extender 54 to be connected to the battery holder 52, yetallows the extender 54 to separate or be released from the wand 52 inthe event that excessive force is applied to the extender 54, such as achild or pet pulling on the extender 54. This break-away arrangementprevents the motorized wand 10 from being broken when extender 54 ispulled with excessive force. In another arrangement, wand 52 andextender 54 connect together in any other manner such as friction fit,threaded engagement, snap-fit features, or the like.

Assembly & Installation:

The motorized wand system 10 is shipped with the driver cover 48positioned over the housing 50, with the housing 50 protruding above theupper end 56 of driver cover 48 thereby exposing the hook member 94.

The existing tilt wand 42 is removed from the knob hook 40 of the tiltknob 38 of blind 12. Next, the hook member 94 is hooked over the knobhook 40 of the tilt knob 38. Once the user is certain that the hookmember 94 is securely engaged with the knob hook 40 of the tilt knob 38the entirety of the weight of the motorized wand system 10 hangs fromthe hook member 94 attached to knob hook 40. In this position, the userremoves the protective covering on the double sided tape, or otheradhesive, on the inside surface of mounting flange 64 of driver cover48. Next, the user slides the drive cover 48 upward on the housing 50until the mounting flange 64 is in proper alignment and spacing with theheader 14 of blind 12 and the mounting flange 64 is adhered to header14.

Once adhered in this manner, the weight of the motorized wand system 10advantageously continues to be supported by the hook member 94, whilethe adhesion of the mounting flange 64 prevents rotation of themotorized wand system 10 with respect to the blind 12 when actuated.This adhesion has a long and durable life because the weight of thesystem 10 is not supported by this adhesion. In addition, because thesurface area of the mounting flange 64 is large and the plane ofmounting flange 64 is approximately perpendicular to the rotational axisor torque generated by motor 84, this adhesion between mounting flange64 and header 14 has a long and durable life.

In the arrangement where mounting flange 64 is partially flexible ormalleable, or includes grooves 66 that form living hinges, this flexionallows the motorized wand system 10 to hang vertically regardless of theangle at which the tilt knob 38 extends outward from the header 14.

In addition, when the mounting flange 64 is generally planar in shapeand is formed of a partially or somewhat flexible material, when themounting flange 64 is attached to the header 14 of the blind 12 themounting flange 64 is generally rigid with respect to the force ofrotation of the motorized wand system 10. That is, when the motorizedwand system 10 hangs from the tilt knob 38, the axis of rotation of themotorized wand system 10 is generally perpendicular to the plane of themounting flange 64 and the mounting flange 64 resists the flexion or inthe direction of rotation. Simultaneously, the mounting flange 64 isgenerally or somewhat flexible when the motorized tilt wand 10 is tiltedout of its normal hanging perpendicular alignment, such as when a usergrasps the motorized tilt wand 10 to operate it.

Learning Tilt Positions & Problems Caused by not Having Hard Stops:

Conventionally, motorized window coverings have what are known as ‘hardstops”. Hard stops are a device, structure or mechanism that physicallyinterrupts or prevents movement of the motor 84 or actuating mechanism32 beyond a certain point and thereby establishes the limit positions,either, fully open or fully closed. As one example, a hard stop isformed when the bottom bar of a roller shade engages a bumper or otherstop that prevents upward movement of the bottom bar. This establishes afirm, unmistakable and repeatable hard stop. When the bottom bar engagesthe hard stop, the electrical draw of the motor 84 spikes. A sensor canbe used to detect this spike, which can then be used to turn off themotor 84 as well as reset a position counter to zero, or a fully openposition. In this way, using a hard stop helps to ensure consistent andaccurate control of the window covering. The use of hard stops alsohelps to prevent breaking the window covering by the motor 84 bypreventing movement beyond the hard stop.

Manually operated window coverings on the other hand are intended to beoperated by hand. Therefore, they often lack hard stops and instead relyupon user discretion to determine when and where to stop movement. Thiscauses substantial issues when adding motorization to manual coveringsbecause there is often no clear stopping point. Therefore, care must betaken to ensure that when adding motorization to an existing manualwindow covering the motor 84 does not attempt to move the windowcovering beyond a fully open and fully closed position as this is likelyto break the actuating mechanism 32 or other components.

Another substantial challenge in motorizing existing window coverings isthat there is often a substantial amount of variability from windowcovering-to-window covering which must be accounted for. This is, again,because manual window coverings rely upon user discretion to determinewhether the window shades are fully opened or fully closed or in thedesired position. As such, it is not necessary to have a high degree ofprecision in the manual actuating mechanism. Variability from windowcovering-to-window covering is acceptable because the user will usetheir perception to determine whether the window shades are in theproper position.

Adding to this lack of precision, the amount of rotations ofconventional tilt wand 42 needed to move the slats 18 to a desiredposition often depends on not only where the slats 18 currently are butalso upon where the slats 18 previously were. That is, most conventionalhorizontal blinds 12 have a lot of slack in their actuating mechanisms32.

Therefore to move the slats 18 from a fully open position 150 (or opentilt position or horizontal position), to a fully closed up position 152(or fully tilted up position, or closed up position) depends upon thelast position of the slats 18. That is, whether the slats 18 got to thefully open position 150 from the fully closed up position 152, or thefully closed down position 154 (or fully tilted down position, or closeddown position).

The same can be said for the opposite situation. That is, to move theslats 18 from a fully open position, to a fully closed down positiondepends upon whether the slats 18 got to the fully open position fromthe fully closed up position, or the fully closed down position.

As an example, in one exemplary manual horizontal blind 12:

-   -   When the slats 18 are currently in the fully open position 150,        but were previously in the fully closed down position 154, it        takes 12 rotations, or 1200 ticks of Hall Effect sensor 98, to        move to a fully closed up position 152.    -   When the slats 18 are currently in the fully open position 150,        but were previously in the fully closed up position 152, it        takes 20 rotations, or 2000 ticks of Hall Effect sensor 98, to        move to a fully closed up position 152.        -   The additional eight rotations are necessary to take up the            slack in the actuating mechanism 32 caused by changing            directions.    -   When the slats 18 are currently in the fully open position 150,        but were previously in the fully closed up position 152, it        takes 15 rotations, or 1500 ticks of Hall Effect sensor 98, to        move to a fully closed down position 154.    -   When the slats 18 are currently in the fully open position 150,        but were previously in the fully closed down position 154, it        takes 23 rotations, or 2300 ticks of Hall Effect sensor 98, to        move to a fully closed down position 154.        -   Again, the additional rotations are necessary to take up the            slack in the actuating mechanism 32 caused by changing            directions.

This variability, slack, or “backlash” is accounted for by programmingthe motorized wand system 10 to track not just the current position ofthe slats 18, but also the prior position of the slats 18 and from thisinformation calculating the needed number of rotations to achieve thedesired position of the slats 18. To do this, various tilt positionsmust be learned, the prior position and current position must be storedand from this information the distances or number of rotations tovarious positions can be calculated.

Backlash in a manual blind 12 is a result of inexpensive and impreciseparts used to make the blind 12. However, backlash is not a problembecause a user when tilting the slats of the blind 12 has instantaneousvisual feedback of the angular position of the slats 18 as they aretwisting the tilt knob 38 and the user stops twisting the tilt knob 38when they have achieved the desired angular position of the slats 18.Most times, the user is not aware, nor do they care, how many times theymust twist the tilt knob 38 to achieve their desired angular orientationof the slats 18

Backlash, however, becomes a substantial problem when motorizing thesemanual blinds 12. This is because the number of rotations of the tiltknob 38 varies depending upon both the current position of the slats 18as well as the prior position of the slats 18. As such, to accuratelytilt the slats 18, the motorized wand system 10 is made aware of theupper and lower limits of the slats and tracks both the current positionof the slats 18, as well as the prior position of the slats 18 withinthis upper limit and lower limit With this information, the motorizedwand system 10 can account for the backlash in the blind 12 andaccurately drive the slats 18 to the desired position. Withoutaccounting for the backlash in the blind 12, the motorized wand system10 has the potential to either over-drive the angular orientation of theslats 18 and damage the blind 12, or alternatively under-drive theangular orientation of the slats 18 and not achieve the desired result.

As one example, to accommodate this backlash in the blind 12 thefollowing programming sequence is performed:

Step 1:

In one arrangement, the motorized wand system 10 is shipped with thebatteries 130 inside the wand 52 with an insulator slip positionedbetween the batteries 130 and an electrical contact. In one arrangement,the blind 12 begins in a fully open position 150, and the motorized wandsystem 10 is installed onto the horizontal blind 12 by connecting thehook 94 to the tilt knob 38. To complete the circuit, the insulator slipis pulled thereby completing the circuit and powering the system 10.This initial powering of the system 10 causes the system 10 toautomatically start in “learn mode”. The learn mode will continue for apredetermined amount of time, such as two, five or ten minutes or thelike. If all positions are not learned within that predetermined amountof time, the positions are not learned and the user must enter the learnmode manually or in another manner. The user must ensure that the firstswitch 118 and second switch 120 are in the off position. Alternatively,the learn mode can be entered/reentered by holding the program button116 for a predetermined amount of time, such as five or ten seconds.Alternatively, the learn mode can be entered/reentered by doing a powercycle, that is removing a battery 130 and replacing it.

Step 2:

Once the learn mode is entered, the user jogs the blind 12 by twistingthe wand 52 and/or extender 54 in a first direction (often a clockwisedirection). This twist is sensed by the twist sensor 112 which activatesthe motor 84 to rotate the hook member 94 a predetermined incrementalsmall amount. The user continues this twisting followed by anincremental movement until the slats 18 are moved to a fully closed upposition 152. Once in the fully closed up position 152, the user pressesand holds the program button 116 for a predetermined amount of time,such as 5 seconds, until a visual indication, such as a light flash, oran audible indication, such as a beep, is transmitted.

Step 3:

Once the slats are positioned in the fully closed up position 152, theuser jogs the blind 12 by twisting the wand 52 and/or extender 54 in asecond direction, opposite the first direction (often a counterclockwisedirection). This twist is sensed by the twist sensor 112 which activatesthe motor 84 to rotate the hook member 94 a predetermined incrementalsmall amount. The user continues this twisting followed by anincremental movement until the slats 18 are moved to a fully openposition 150. Once in the fully open position 150, the user presses andholds the program button 116 for a predetermined amount of time, such as5 seconds, until a visual indication, such as a light flash, or anaudible indication, such as a beep, is transmitted.

Step 4:

Once the slats are positioned in the fully open position 150, the usercontinues to jog the blind 12 by twisting the wand 52 and/or extender 54in the second direction. This twist is sensed by the twist sensor 112which activates the motor 84 to rotate the hook member 94 apredetermined incremental small amount. The user continues this twistingfollowed by an incremental movement until the slats 18 are moved to afully closed down position 154. Once in the fully closed down position154, the user presses and holds the program button 116 for apredetermined amount of time, such as 5 seconds, until a visualindication, such as a light flash, or an audible indication, such as abeep, is transmitted.

Step 5:

Once the slats are positioned in the fully closed down position 154, theuser jogs the blind 12 by twisting the wand 52 and/or extender 54 in thefirst direction. This twist is sensed by the twist sensor 112 whichactivates the motor 84 to rotate the hook member 94 a predeterminedincremental small amount. The user continues this twisting followed byan incremental movement until the slats 18 are moved back to the fullyopen position 150. Once in the fully open position 154, the user pressesand holds the program button 116 for a predetermined amount of time,such as 5 seconds, until a visual indication, such as a light flash, oran audible indication, such as a beep, is transmitted.

Once all four positions are learned, the motorized wand system 10provides a visual or audible indication that the system 10 has beenfully learned by issuing a double beep, a prolonged beep, or by“winking” the slats 18, which is moving the slats 18 to the fully closedup position 152, then to the fully closed down position 154 and thenback to the fully open position 150, or some other combination thereof.This unmistakably informs the user that the system 10 has been fullyprogrammed.

In addition, once fully programmed, a prolonged twist of wand 52 and/orextender 54 cause a continuous movement of the slats 18 until they reachthe fully closed up position 152 or the fully closed down position 154;whereas prior to programming the system 10 any twist of the wand 52and/or the extender 54, either short or prolonged, only caused themotorized wand system 10 to make an incremental movement of the slats.

Note, any reference to a fully closed down position 154 can be replacedwith a fully closed up position 152 and vice versa.

As another example, to accommodate backlash in the blind 12 thefollowing programming sequence is performed to accurately program thelimits:

Step 1:

Once the learn mode is entered, the user moves the slats 18 to eitherthe fully closed up position 152 or fully closed down position 154 andthe user saves or stores the position, such as by a button press or likeoperation. Care should be taken to ensure that the slats 18 are moved tothe desired position without reversing the direction of movement becausereversing the movement will take up some or all of the backlash therebyskewing the results.

Step 2:

Next, the user moves the slats 18 to the opposite position, either fullyclosed up position 152 or fully closed down position 154 and the usersaves or stores the position, such as by a button press or likeoperation. Again, care should be taken to ensure that the slats 18 aremoved to the desired position without reversing the direction ofmovement because reversing the movement will take up some or all of thebacklash thereby skewing the results.

Step 3:

Next, the user moves the slats 18 back to the original position, eitherthe fully closed up position 152 or fully closed down position 154, andthe user saves or stores the position, such as by a button press or likeoperation. Again, care should be taken to ensure that the slats 18 aremoved to the desired position without reversing the direction ofmovement because reversing the movement will take up some or all of thebacklash thereby skewing the results.

Step 4:

Next, the user moves the slats 18 to the fully open position 150 andstores the position. Again, care should be taken to ensure that theslats 18 are moved to the desired position without reversing thedirection of movement because reversing the movement will take up someor all of the backlash thereby skewing the results.

In this way, the distance or number of rotations between positions canbe calculated as well as the distance or number of rotations taken up bybacklash.

Note: additional iterations of moving the slats 18 to known positions,such as fully up, down or fully open, may be performed to providemore-accurate results by repeating the movements and averaging theresults. By moving to the positions more than once and storing theserepeated positions, this can improve the accuracy of control byproviding more than one data point for each position and therebyproviding an average. In one arrangement, the microprocessor 100averages the distance or number of turns between positions as well asthe number of turns to take up backlash.

Clearing Tilt Positions:

In the event that the tilt positions ever need to be cleared orreprogrammed, this can be done by moving the first switch 118 and thesecond switch 120 to the off position. Next, the program button 116 isheld for a predetermined amount of time, such as five seconds or tenseconds. In one arrangement, after five seconds a first single beep istransmitted, and then after ten seconds two beeps are transmitted whichindicates the tilt positions have been cleared from memory 102. The tiltpositions then are relearned in the manner described herein.

Intermediary Positions:

Once the learn sequence is fully completed and the fully open position150, fully closed up position 152 and fully closed down position 154 arelearned, other intermediary positions are automatically calculated orprogrammed by microprocessor 100 and stored in memory 102. As oneexample, intermediate tilt positions are preprogrammed between the fullyopen position 150 and the fully closed up position 152, and intermediatetilt positions are preprogrammed between the fully open position 150 andthe fully closed down position 154. In one arrangement, twopreprogrammed positions are automatically calculated between the fullyopen position and the fully closed positions for a total of sevenpreprogrammed positions (from top to bottom: 1. Fully closed up, 2. Onethird of the way down toward the fully open position, 3. Two thirds ofthe way down from the fully closed up position toward the fully openposition, 4. Fully open position, or level position, 5, One third of theway down from the fully open position toward the fully closed downposition, 6. Two thirds of the way down from the fully open positiontoward the fully closed down position, 7. Fully closed down position).In one arrangement, these intermediate positions are positioned atapproximately one-third and two thirds of the distance or angle betweenthe fully open position 150 and fully closed up position 152 or thefully closed down position 154. However, these intermediary positionscan be custom programmed to any angle.

In one arrangement, these intermediary positions are calculated bymultiplying the total number of estimated or learned rotations between afully closed up position and a fully closed down position by thepercentage of openness desired. That is if it takes 100 rotations of themotor, motorized wand system 10 calculates that the fully open positionis 50 rotations from the fully closed up position or fully closed downposition. The same calculation is made when the direction of rotation isaccounted for and the number of rotations is considered to take up theslack or backlash in the tilting mechanism. That is, when a change indirection occurs, the microprocessor 100 takes account of the number ofrotations to take up the backlash or slack and then from therecalculates the number of rotations to reach each intermediary position.This arrangement greatly eases the ability to establish intermediarypositions, and it greatly improves the accuracy and repeatability ofplacing slats 18 at the intermediary positions. In one arrangement, aseparate button or other sensor (such as a zone on a touch screen) isassociated with each intermediary position allowing a user to press onebutton to move the slats 18 to the intermediary position.

The Term “Fully Closed”:

The term “fully closed” is used herein to describe a position of theslats 18. As described herein, the slats 18 of blinds 12 tilt between afirst fully closed position and a second fully closed position, which isthe full range of tilting motion of the slats 18. Due to varyingcharacteristics of various vertical and horizontal blinds 12 the slats18 may not truly be “fully closed” when at their fully tilted positions,and instead, a small gap or small amount of light may extend throughadjacent slats 18 at these “fully closed” positions. As such, the term“fully closed” in the terms the first fully closed position, the secondfully closed position, the fully closed up position, the fully closeddown position, the fully closed left position and the fully closed rightposition, among others does not require that she slats truly be fullyclosed. Instead, the term “fully closed” as used herein describes eitherthe point or the approximate point at which the slates 18 will tilt nofurther, or the user-selected point of angular tilting in the directiondescribed (which does not necessarily have to be at the point where theslats 18 will tilt no further). As such, the term “fully closed” usedherein is broader than a strict construction of the term fully closed.

Furthermore, the terms “limit position” may be used in place of fullyclosed up or fully closed down positions. That is, the term limitposition, as used herein, describes a user-set position, which may ormay not be a fully closed up position or a fully closed down position.

Twisting Operations:

Manually twisting the motorized wand system 10 is one manner ofoperating the system 10 and activating the motor 84 to move slats 18 ofblind 12 in the desired manner. To do so, the user grasps the wand 52 orextender 54 sections (or second section) of the system 10 and manuallytwists in the direction the user desires the slats 18 to be moved,either a first direction or an opposite second direction. Because thedriver cover 48 is connected to the header 14 of blind 12 and thehousing 50 is connected to the driver cover 48 (the first section) in anon-rotatable manner, this twist causes the second section to at leastpartially rotate with respect to the first section.

This twist is intended to emulate the manner in which users generallyadjust the angular rotation of slats 18 of blind 12. That is, the useris accustomed to rotating the tilt wand 42 of blind 12 to adjust theangle of the slats 18. This twisting is therefore a very familiar andintuitive task for the user to perform. In addition, the flexibility ofthe mounting flange 64 allows the user to tilt the system 10 out ofvertical alignment during this twisting motion without breaking thesystem 10.

This twist is sensed by twist sensor 112 and transmitted to the motorcontroller 82/microprocessor 100 which then activates the motor 84 tomove in the direction of the twist.

There are two types of twists, a short twist and a long twist. A shorttwist is a twist which is less than a predetermined amount of time,whereas a long twist is a twist which is more than a predeterminedamount of time. When the system 10 is not yet programmed, as isdescribed herein, the both a short twist and a long twist will only movethe motor 84 an incremental amount. This is because the system 10 is notprogrammed to know the upper and lower limits yet.

In contrast, when the system 10 has been programmed to the blind 12, ashort twist and a long twist cause differing reactions. In onearrangement, in response to a short twist, the motor 84 is activated todrive either an incremental amount (such as 10 degrees or 10% of totalamount of tilting or the like) or to the next predetermined position;whereas a long twist causes the motor 84 to drive to the nextpredetermined position, to the next upper or lower limit, or causes themotor 84 to continuously drive until either the twist is released andthe second section is returned to its original alignment with the firstsection by the biasing member connected to or between the first sectionand the second section or until the upper or lower limit is reached(thereby preventing damage to the blind 12 by driving past the upper orlower limit).

Twisting Group:

Motorized wand system 10, can be operated by twisting the wand 52 and/orthe extender 54 or pressing a button on remote control 110. In someapplications, where a plurality of motorized wand systems 10 are used ina single area, it is desired to have a number of horizontal blinds 12respond to a single command transmitted from either a remote control 110or from another motorized wand system 10.

A “twisting group” is a group of blinds 12 that respond to a twistingtilt of any motorized wand system 10 in the group. That is, when onemotorized wand system 10 is twisted, it generates and transmits a signalthrough receiver/transceiver 104 (otherwise known as a signal generator)that is received by all other motorized wand systems 10 in the group torespond in like fashion.

First, to be eligible to join a group, the motorized wand system 10 mustbe programmed in the manner described herein. Once the four tiltpositions have been learned, the program button 116 is held for apredetermined amount of time until a beep or other signal is transmittedand the blind 12 winks or provides another confirmation. The winksignifies that the blind has all four tilt positions learned and thatthe motorized wand system 10 has checked to see if other motorized wandssystems 10 have sent it an invitation to join a twisting group. If yes,the motorized wand system 10 joins the twisting group (accepts theinvitation); if no, the motorized wand system 10 removes itself from anyother twisting group and transmits an invitation for all other motorizedwand systems 10 within over the air communication distance to join itsnew group.

Next, the user presses and holds down the program button 116 of the nextmotorized wand system 10 that is desired in the group until it beeps.When the second motorized wand system 10 beeps both the first and secondmotorized wand systems 10 wink, showing the user all the shades that arecurrently joined to the group.

The user continues to join motorized wand systems 10 to the group bypressing and holding the program button 116 of additional motorized wandsystems 10 in this manner until all desired motorized wand systems 10are joined to the twisting group.

To exit the join twisting group mode either a predetermined amount oftime passes, or the wand 52 or extender 54 of any motorized wand system10 in the group is twisted. This closes the twisting group. From thatpoint on, all motorized wand systems 10 in the twisting group respond inlike fashion whenever any of the motorized wand systems 10 in the groupreceive a twisting command.

In one arrangement, motorized wand systems 10 motorized wand systems 10can only be part of a single twisting group. In one arrangement, eachmotorized wand system 10 acts as a repeater thereby enhancing range andreliability of the twisting group.

To remove a motorized wand system 10 from a twisting group, the userpresses and holds the program button 116 on the motorized wands system10 that is to be removed from the twisting group. When an audible beepis heard, the motorized wand system 10 is removed from the twistinggroup and a new learn twisting group mode is initiated. If the userstops at this point, the motorized wand system 10 is in a twisting groupof only itself. No loss of custom programmed position settings or otherparings with other remote controlled groups occurs during the removal ofa motorized wand system 10 from a twisting group.

Remote Groups:

Like a twisting group, a plurality of motorized wand systems 10 canrespond as a group to a single button press of a channel of a remote110, otherwise known as a “remote group”. Each motorized wand system 10can be included in a plurality remote groups.

In one arrangement, a multichannel remote 110 is used having a pluralityof channel indicators 156, which illuminate to indicate which channelthe remote 110 is on, and a channel toggle button 158 that toggles theremote 110 between channels. This remote also includes a recessedprogram button (not shown) in its rear surface that can be activated bypressing a paperclip into the recessed button. First, to be eligible tojoin a group, the motorized wand system 10 must be programmed in themanner described herein. Once the four tilt positions are learned, tolearn a remote 110 to a plurality of motorized wand systems 10, thechannel toggle button 158 is pressed until the desired channel isselected as indicated by the desired channel indicator 156 beingilluminated. Next, using a paper clip, the recessed button on the backof the remote 110 is pressed. Once pressed, the channel indicators 156will begin to light up in scrolling or flashing fashion, or in anothermanner indicating the condition the remote 110 is in. Next, a button,such as a “tilt up button”, is pressed on the face of remote 110 and acommand is sent to all motorized wand systems 10 in communicationdistance to the remote 110 inviting the motorized wand systems 10 tojoin the remote group. All motorized wand systems 10 that receive thiscommand will wink in response indicating the motorized wand system 10 isready to join the remote group.

To join the motorized wand system 10 to the remote group, the userpresses the program button 116 on the desired motorized wand systems 10for a predetermined amount of time, such as five seconds, until anaudible beep and the individual motorized wand system 10 winks.

Once all motorized wand systems are joined to the remote group, anybutton on the remote 110 is pressed and held for a predetermined amountof time, thereby exiting the group. In this way the remote group isformed.

Motorized wand systems 10 can be removed from a remote group by pressingthe channel toggle button 158 until the desired channel indicator 156 isilluminated. Using a paper clip, the recessed button in the back of theremote 110 is pressed. The channel indicators 156 will begin to light upin scrolling fashion, or flashing fashion, or in another mannerindicating the condition the remote 110 is in. Next, a button, such as a“tilt down button”, is pressed on the face of remote 110 and a commandis sent to all motorized wand systems 10 in communication distance tothe remote 110 inviting the motorized wand systems 10 to be deleted orunpaired or un joined from the remote group. All motorized wand systems10 that receive this command will wink in response indicating themotorized wand system 10 is ready to be deleted or unpaired or un-joinedfrom the remote group.

To be deleted or unpaired or un joined from the remote group, the userpresses the program button 116 on the desired motorized wand systems 10for a predetermined amount of time, such as five seconds, until anaudible beep and the individual motorized wand system 10 winks.

To improve reception and to ensure all motorized wand systems 10 in theremote group move in response to a remote signal being transmitted, whenany one motorized wand system 10 receives the remote signal, thatmotorized wand system 10 retransmits that or a similar signal throughreceiver/transceiver 104 (otherwise known as a signal generator) that isthen intended to be received by all other motorized wand systems 10 inthe remote group to respond in like fashion unless they have alreadyreceived the remote signal and moved accordingly.

Temperature Settings:

In one arrangement, one of the first switch 118 and second switch is atwo-position or three-position switch that controls a temperature sensor160 positioned within or connected motorized wand system 10.

In one arrangement, motorized wand system 10 comes preprogrammed with atemperature threshold and the switch 118, 120 that controls thetemperature sensor 160 is a two-position switch having an on positionand an off position. When in the on position and the temperaturethreshold is surpassed, as is sensed by a thermometer or othertemperature sensor 160 connected to or positioned within the motorizedwand system 10, the motorized wand system 10 moves the slats 18 to thefully closed up position 152 (or fully closed down position, any otheruser set predetermined position) thereby limiting the amount of lightthat passes through the slats 18 and reflecting the maximum amount ofheat and light back out through the window thereby increasing energyefficiency. Alternatively, when the temperature threshold is met orexceeded, the slats 18 are moved to a fully closed down position 154; oralternatively to a fully open position 150, or any other user selectedpredetermined position, or in the case of a vertical blind to a fullytilted left position or a fully tilted right position, or any otherposition.

The temperature setting can be custom set by the user by turning theswitch 118, 120 that controls the temperature sensor 160 on and off andthen on within a predetermined amount of time, such as ten seconds andthen pressing and holding the program button 116 for a predeterminedamount of time, such as ten seconds until two audible beeps aretransmitted. When the two audible beeps are transmitted, the factorydefault setting for temperature activation is reset to the currentlyexperienced temperature of the motorized wand system 10. A similarprocess can be performed to set the angular position of the slats 18.

In another arrangement, the switch 118, 120 that controls thetemperature sensor 160 is a three-position switch having an offposition, a first position and a second position. When in the firstposition and the temperature threshold is surpassed, as is sensed by athermometer or other temperature sensor 160 connected to or positionedwithin the motorized wand system 10, the motorized wand system 10 movesthe slats 18 to the fully closed up position 152 (or fully closed downposition, or any other predetermined user selected position) therebylimiting the amount of light that passes through the slats 18 andreflecting the maximum amount of heat and light back out through thewindow thereby increasing energy efficiency. Alternatively, when thetemperature threshold is met or exceeded, the slats 18 are moved to afully closed down position 154, or any other user selected predeterminedposition, or in the case of a vertical blind to a fully tilted leftposition or a fully tilted right position, or any other position. Whenswitch 118, 120 is in the first position, when the temperature againdrops below the temperature threshold (such as the sun setting, or thesun rising), nothing happens. In this arrangement, the motorized wandsystem 10 must be twisted or a button pressed on remote 110 to move theslats 18 of the shade 12.

When the switch 118, 120 is in the second position, the motorized wandsystem 10 reacts by closing the blind 12 when the temperature thresholdis exceeded (either by moving to the fully closed down position 154 orthe fully closed up position) and then when the temperature drops belowthe temperature threshold (such as when the sun sets) the motorized wandsystem 10 moves the slats 18 back to their original position the slats18 were in before the temperature threshold was first exceeded.

Light Settings:

In one arrangement, one of the first switch 118 and second switch 120 isa two-position or three-position switch that controls a light sensor 162positioned within or connected motorized wand system 10.

In one arrangement, motorized wand system 10 come preprogrammed with afirst light threshold that is intended to close the slats 18 at dusk formaximum privacy and the switch 118, 120 is a two-position switch havingan on position and an off position. When the switch 118, 120 is in theon position and the first light threshold is surpassed (such as when thesun sets), as sensed by the light sensor 162, the motorized wand system10 moves the slats to the fully closed up position 152 (or a fullyclosed down position 154, or any other user set predetermined position)thereby maximizing privacy at night, or any other position selected bythe user.

The light setting can be custom set by the user by turning the switch118, 120 that controls light sensor 162 on and then off and then onagain within a predetermined amount of time, such as ten seconds andthen pressing and holding the program button 116 for a predeterminedamount of time, such as ten seconds until two audible beeps aretransmitted. When the two audible beeps are transmitted, the factorydefault setting for light activation is reset to the current lightamount experienced by the motorized wand system 10.

In another arrangement, the switch 118, 120 that controls the lightsensor 162 is a three-position switch having an off position, a firstposition and a second position. When in the first position and the lightthreshold is surpassed (such as the sun sets, or sun rises), as issensed by a light sensor 162 connected to or positioned within themotorized wand system 10, the motorized wand system 10 moves the slats18 to the fully closed up position 152 (or fully closed down position154, or any other user set predetermined position) thereby maximumprivacy such as by preventing others outside the building from lookinginto the building. Then, when the light threshold is again exceeded,(such as the sun rises again, or the sun sets again) the motorized wandsystem 10 again returns the slats 18 back to their original positionbefore the light threshold was first exceeded.

Vertical Blinds:

With reference to FIGS. 12-20 a motorized wand system 10 is shown foruse with a vertical blind 200. Vertical blinds 200 are similar tohorizontal blinds 12 in that vertical blinds include a head rail orheader 14 that slidably holds shade material 16 in the form of aplurality of vertically extending slats 18. Slats 18 are slidable alongthe length of header 14 by a carrier 202 which is connected to aninward-most slat 18. Carrier 202 includes tilt knob 38 which is used totilt the angular orientation of slats 18 between opposing fully closedpositions and a fully open position. Each slat 18 is removably connectedto header 14 by clips 204 that extend downward from the centrallypositioned slot 206 in the bottom surface of header 14.

Motorized wand system 10 connects to carrier 202 of vertical blind 200by a mounting member 208. Mounting member 208 is formed of any suitablesize, shape and design. In the arrangement shown, mounting member 208includes a tab 210 having an elongated slot 212 therein and a downwardlyextending collar 214. Tab 210 is generally planar in shape and extends alateral length from end 216 to end 216. Slot 212 is generally rounded oroval or elongated in shape and is positioned more toward one end 216than the other. Collar 214 extends downward from tab 210 and ispositioned more toward the opposite end 216 of tab 210 from slot 206. Inthe arrangement shown, collar 214 is generally square or rectangular inshape, however any non-round in shape is hereby contemplated for use.Collar 214 slightly narrows as it extends downward from tab 210. Anopening 218 extends through tab 210 and collar 214 and is centrallyaligned with collar 214.

Mounting member 208 connects to vertical blind 200 by the first clip 204closest to carrier 202 being inserted within slot 212 of tab 210. Inthis position, mounting member 208 is positioned between the slot 206 inthe bottom surface of header 14 and the upper end of the first slat 18.Next, the tilt knob 38 is positioned within the opening 218 that extendsthrough collar 214 and tab 210. Opening 218 is sized and shaped toreceive tilt knob 38 therein while allowing free rotation of tilt knob38. In this arrangement, the insertion of clip 204 into slot 212 of tab210, prevents rotation of mounting member 208 when torque is applied totilt knob 38 positioned within collar 214.

The upper end 75 of motorized wand system 10 includes a collar 220 thatis similar to collar 214 of mounting member 208. That is, collar 214extends upward from the upper end of housing 50 and in the arrangementshown is octagonal or hexagonal in shape, however any non-round shape ishereby contemplated for use. Like collar 214, collar 220 tapers ornarrows slightly as it extends upward from housing 50. Collar 220includes an opening 222 therein that extends though collar 220 andconnects to the hollow interior of housing 50. Shaft 95 extends throughcollar 220 and freely rotates within collar 220 and serves to transmitrotational movement from motor 84 to tilt knob 38 of vertical blind 200.

A bellows 224 is positioned between the motorized wand system 10 and thevertical blind 200. Bellows 224 is formed of any suitable size, shapeand design and serves to prevent the motorized wand system 10 fromrotating while still allowing the motorized wand system 10 to be tiltedout of vertical alignment. In the arrangement shown, bellows 224includes a generally cylindrical corrugated section 226. Corrugatedsection 226 is flexible, meaning that it can be easily tilted or bent.Corrugated section 226 is also compressible, meaning that the length ofthe bellows 224 can be temporarily shortened by applying pressure onboth ends, however when the pressure is removed, the bellows 226naturally returns to its standard length. Corrugated section 226 howeverresists angular rotation.

A socket 228 is positioned at both the upper and lower ends ofcorrugated section 226. The socket 228 positioned on the upper end ofcorrugated section 226 is sized and shaped to receive the downwardlyextending collar 214 of mounting member 208. The socket 228 positionedon the lower end of corrugated section 226 is sized and shaped toreceive the upwardly extending collar 214 of housing 50. These sockets228 slightly narrow or taper inward as they extend towards corrugatedsection 266. This tapering, coupled with the tapering of collars 214,220 serve to provide a tighter-and-tighter frictional fit between thetwo components as the collar 214, 220 is further inserted within thesocket 228. This tapering also makes it easier to initially insertcollar 214, 220 into socket 228.

To install the motorized wand system 10 on vertical blind 200, firstmounting member 208 is installed on vertical blind 200 by inserting thefirst clip 204 closest to carrier 202 within slot 212 of tab 210 andslat 18 is installed on the clip 204 thereby holding the mounting member208 onto clip 204. Next, the tilt knob 38 is inserted within the opening218 that extends through collar 214 and tab 210.

Next bellows 224 is installed around shaft 95 and hook member 94. Thelower socket 228 of bellows 224 is forced onto the collar 220 of housing50. In this arrangement, collar 220 and bellows 224 are non-rotationallyconnected to one another as lower socket 228 and collar 220 arenon-round and sized and shaped to receive one another in frictionalmating engagement. Next, the installer applies pressure onto the upperend of bellows 224 thereby compressing the vertical length of bellows224. This compression exposes hook member 94. Once hook member isexposed, hook member 94 is installed onto tilt knob 38 that protrudesthrough collar 214 of mounting member 208.

Once the hook member 94 is installed onto tilt knob 38 pressure isremoved from bellows 224 thereby allowing bellows 224 to regain theiroriginal or static length. As the bellows 224 regain their originallength, the upper socket 228 naturally fits over the collar 214 ofmounting member 208 in mating frictional engagement.

This connection at the upper and lower ends of bellows 224 allows themotorized wand system 10 to be tilted out of vertical alignment, whichnaturally occurs when a user grasps the wand 10 to laterally open orclose the vertical blind 200. However, this connection at the upper andlower ends of bellows 224 prevents motorized wand system 10 fromrotating due to the non-round engagement between sockets 228 and collars214, 220.

Once installed on vertical blind 200, motorized wand system 10 is thesame or similar manner described herein with respect to horizontalblinds 12.

Calculating Backlash:

In one arrangement, microprocessor 100 of motorized wand system 10tracks not only the current position of the slats 18 of the shade 16,but also tracks a backlash position. That is, storing the four positionsof the programming sequence described herein, the microprocessor 100calculates the total distance between fully closed up 152 and fullyclosed down 154. By going through the programming sequence,microprocessor 100 also calculates the amount of backlash, or a backlashnumber, or a number of ticks or rotations needed to begin moving theslats 18 when a change in direction of movement occurs. In this way,microprocessor 100 tracks two numbers, or accumulates two numbers, atotal position number and a backlash number. When the motor 84 changesdirection, the microprocessor 100 begins deducting counts from thebacklash number, once the backlash number has been exceeded then themicroprocessor 100 begins accumulating counts for the current positionof the slats 18. In this way, the microprocessor 100 accurately tracksand controls the angular position of the slats 18.

Predictive Movements:

In one arrangement motorized wand system 10 includes a predictivemovement button that activates and deactivates a predictive movementfunction. Many users of blinds 12 perform approximately the sameprocesses at approximately the same time, day-in and day-out. That is,these users tend to open, close or adjust their blinds 12 in the sameway about at the same time every day. Or, in geographic locations wherethe amount of daylight varies greatly from winter to summer, users tendto open, close or adjust their blinds 12 in the same way about the sametimes of the year as the position of the sun moves and as the time ofsunrise and sunset change.

To save the user this effort, the motorized wand system 10 includes atimer or clock connected with the microprocessor 100 and the system 10that tracks the timing and position of user initiated movements. Thesystem 10, also tracks the amount of light that is present at the timeof these user initiated movements through light sensor 162. The system10, also tracks the temperature at the time of these user initiatedmovements through temperature sensor 160. With this information, overtime, the system 10 tracks the user initiated movements and predictsmovements in the future based on this information. That is, based on thecombination of information of: time of movement, position moved from,position moved to, date, light amount, temperature, and any otherinformation, the system predicts movements into the future.

This predicted schedule of movements is dynamic and ever-changing. Thatis, in the event that a motorized wand system 10 moves a blind 12 to apredicted position and the user manually changes the position of thatshade (they essentially correct the predicted movement position), thesystem 10 takes that corrected position into account and changes thepredicted schedule of movements accordingly. In this way, the motorizedwand system 10 adapts to the user's preferences as they change over timeand from season to season.

While predicted movements may begin after a short data collectionperiod, such as a few days or few weeks, with a timer or clock as partof the system 10, the system 10 has the ability to track the changesover an entire year's period and apply the user's preferences accordingto the time of year. In this way, the predictive movement functionalityprovides the user with a better user experience, improved functionality,customization and convenience.

From the above discussion and the accompanying drawings and claims itwill be appreciated that the aftermarket remote controlled motorizedwand for controlling blinds: improves upon the state of the art;eliminates the need to replace perfectly functioning manual windowcoverings; eliminates the need to install new window coverings to havethe advantages of motorized control; is easy to use; is easy to install;is easy to set up; is customizable; can be installed on a great varietyof window coverings; takes up the slack and variability between variouswindow coverings; is adjustable; provides improved control andfunctionality; saves time; is inexpensive and certainly less expensivethan purchasing new motorized window coverings; allows for control of aplurality of window coverings simultaneously; can be controlled by atwist or a wireless signal; allows for a plurality of window coveringsto be grouped together such that they respond simultaneously to a singlecommand; responds to light variance; responds to temperature variance;has improved battery life; accurately tracks the position of the windowcoverings; is repeatable over time and between window coverings; has along useful life; has a simple and elegant design; utilizes standardbatteries; can be purchased as an off-the-shelf product; allows for easybattery replacement; is durable; maintains the look and feel of aconventional tilt wand while providing additional features; amongcountless other improvements and advantages.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other variousmodifications could be made to the device without parting from thespirit and scope of this invention. All such modifications and changesfall within the scope of the claims and are intended to be coveredthereby. It should be understood that the examples and embodimentsdescribed herein are for illustrative purposes only and that variousmodifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to personsskilled in the art and are to be included within the spirit and purviewof this application.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method of programming a motorized wand systemto accurately control the angular tilting of slats of a blind,comprising the steps of: providing a motorized wand system having amotor, a microprocessor and memory; connecting the motorized wand systemto a tilt knob of a blind having a plurality of slats; moving the slatsto a first limit position and storing the position; moving the slats toan open position, from the first limit position, and storing theposition; moving the slats to a second limit position, from the openposition, and storing the position; and moving the slats back to theopen position, from the second limit position, and storing the position.2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first limit position is either afully closed up position or a fully closed down position when the blindis a horizontal blind.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the secondlimit position is either a fully closed up position or a fully closeddown position when the blind is a horizontal blind.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the first limit position is either a fully closed rightposition or a fully closed left position when the blind is a verticalblind.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the second limit position iseither a fully closed right position or a fully closed left positionwhen the blind is a vertical blind.
 6. The method of claim 1, whereinthe first limit position is opposite the second limit position.
 7. Themethod of claim 1 wherein movement of the motor is tracked by a sensor.8. The method of claim 7 wherein the sensor is formed of a at least oneHall Effect sensor that senses passing magnetic fields of a magneticwheel.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein the motorized wand systemcalculates movement based upon a current position of the slats and aprior position of the slats.
 10. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising the step of calculating the number of rotations between theopen position and the first limit position.
 11. The method of claim 1further comprising the step of calculating the number of rotationsbetween the open position and second limit position.
 12. The method ofclaim 1 further comprising the step of calculating the number ofrotations between the first limit position and the second limitposition.
 13. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step ofcalculating and/or storing intermediary positions between the openposition and the first limit position or the second limit position. 14.The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of controllingmovement of the motorized wand system by a twist of the motorized wandsystem.
 15. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step ofcontrolling movement of the motorized wand system by a remote control.16. The method of claim 1 further comprising the steps of: providing alight sensor connected with the motorized wand system; and moving theslats when a light threshold is surpassed.
 17. The method of claim 1further comprising the steps of: providing a temperature sensorconnected with the motorized wand system; and moving the slats when atemperature threshold is surpassed.
 18. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising the step of storing a current position of the slats and aprior position of the slats in the memory.
 19. The method of claim 1further comprising a clock or timer connected with or part of themicroprocessor.
 20. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step ofdeveloping a predictive schedule of movements based on user initiatedmovements.
 21. A motorized wand system, comprising: a housing having ahook member connected to an upper end of the housing; a motor,microprocessor and memory positioned within the housing; the motoroperably connected to the hook member and configured to rotate the hookmember; a driver cover having an opening therein that slidably receivesthe housing therein; a mounting flange connected to an upper end of thedriver cover; and wherein the mounting flange is formed of a flexiblematerial or includes hinges therein that flex; wherein the mountingflange is attached to a header of a blind.
 22. The motorized wand systemof claim 21 wherein weight of the motorized wand system is supported bya connection between the hook member of the motorized wand system and atilt knob of the blind.
 23. The motorized wand system of claim 21wherein the housing slides vertically within the driver cover toaccommodate various tilt knobs.
 24. The motorized wand system of claim21 further comprising adhesive placed on the mounting flange such thatthe mounting flange is adhesively adhered to the header of the blind.25. The motorized wand system of claim 21 wherein the mounting flangeprevents rotation of the motorized wand system with respect to theheader of the blind when the motor rotates the hook member.
 26. Themotorized wand system of claim 21 wherein the flexibility of themounting flange allows the motorized wand system to be tilted.
 27. Amotorized wand system for controlling the angular tilt of slats of amanual blind, comprising: a body having a first section and a secondsection that extends a length from an upper end to a lower end; a hookmember connected to the upper end of the body and operably connected toa motor; a motor controller, having a microprocessor and memory,operably connected to the motor to control operation of the motor; apower source electrically connected to the motor controller; and whereinthe second section of the body at least partially rotates with respectto the first section thereby activating operation of the motor.
 28. Thesystem of claim 27 further comprising a twist sensor connected to thebody, wherein the twist sensor senses rotation of the second sectionwith respect to the first section and initiates a motorized movement ofthe blind.
 29. The system of claim 27 wherein when the second section isrotated in a first direction with respect to the first section, themotor is activated to rotate in a first direction.
 30. The system ofclaim 27 wherein the second section is rotated in a second directionwith respect to the first section, the motor is activated to rotate in asecond direction.
 31. The system of claim 27 further comprising abiasing member connected to the body that maintains the originalalignment of the second section relative to the first section.
 32. Thesystem of claim 27 wherein when the second section is twisted for lessthan a predetermined amount of time, the motor moves an incrementalamount; wherein when the second section is twisted for more than apredetermined amount of time, the motor moves in a continuous manner orto a predetermined limit position.
 33. The system of claim 27 whereinwhen the second section is twisted with respect to the first section awireless signal is transmitted commanding other motorized wand systemsin a twisting group to move in similar fashion.
 34. A motorized wandsystem for operating window coverings, comprising: a first motorizedwand system having an elongated housing extending a length from an upperend to a lower end; a rotatable member connected adjacent the upper endof the housing; a motor, microprocessor and memory positioned within thehousing; the motor operably connected to the rotatable member such thatrotation of the motor rotates the rotatable member; an antenna and atransceiver electrically connected to the microprocessor; wherein whenthe motorized wand system receives a control signal, the control signalis transmitted through the transceiver and antenna so as to be receivedby other motorized wand systems within over the air communicationdistance to the first motorized wand system.
 35. The system of claim 34wherein the control signal is a twist signal received by twisting afirst portion of the housing with respect to a second portion of thehousing.
 36. The system of claim 34 wherein the control signal iswireless signal received from a remote control device.
 37. The system ofclaim 34 wherein when a second motorized wand system receives a controlsignal transmitted by the first motorized wand system, the secondmotorized wand system moves or is moved to a corresponding position asthe first motorized wand system if the second motorized wand system isgrouped with the first motorized wand system.
 38. A method ofprogramming a motorized slat tilting system to accurately control theangular tilting of slats of a blind, comprising the steps of: providinga motorized system having a motor, a microprocessor and memory;connecting the motorized system to a tilt knob of a blind having aplurality of slats; moving the slats to a first limit position andstoring the position; moving the slats to a second limit position andstoring the position, wherein the second limit position is opposite thefirst limit position; moving the slats back to the first limit positionand storing the position; moving the slats to an open position, andstoring the position.
 39. A motorized wand system adaptable for use withboth manual horizontal blinds and manual vertical blinds, the systemcomprising: a motorized wand system having an elongated housingextending a length from an upper end to a lower end and including amotor, gear box, motor controller, microprocessor and memory; a firstattachment used for connecting the motorized wand system to a horizontalblind wherein the first attachment slides over the upper end of themotorized wand system and includes a flexible flange that adhesivelyconnects to a header of the horizontal blind; a second attachment usedfor connecting the motorized wand system to a vertical blind wherein thesecond attachment includes a mounting member that connects to a tiltknob and clip of a the vertical blind and a bellows having a flexiblecorrugated section that connects to the mounting member and the upperend of the motorized wand system.
 40. A motorized wand system for usewith manual vertical blinds having a plurality of slats, the systemcomprising: a motorized wand system having an elongated housingextending a length from an upper end to a lower end and including amotor, gear box, motor controller, microprocessor and memory; a mountingmember conformed to connect to a tilt knob and slat clip of the verticalblind; a bellows having a flexible corrugated section conformed toconnect to the mounting member and the motorized wand system to groundthe motorized wand from rotating; wherein the flexible corrugatedsection provides a means to manually open and close the vertical slatsby allowing the motorized wand to be tilted when the slats are pulled orpushed open or closed by a user grasping the motorized wand.
 41. Amethod of operating a motorized wand system for use with blinds, thesystem comprising: providing a motorized wand system having an elongatedhousing extending a length from an upper end to a lower end andincluding a motor, gear box, motor controller, microprocessor andmemory; storing a first limit position in memory; storing a second limitposition in the memory; calculating the number of rotations of the motorto move between the first limit position and the second limit position,automatically calculating intermediary positions, between the firstlimit position and the second limit position.
 42. The method of claim 41wherein one of the intermediary positions is a fully open position.